What happens for a First Offence of Immigration Fraud?

If you or someone close faces a first immigration fraud charge, feeling anxious about the road ahead and eager to build your defence is completely understandable. Immigration fraud is dealt with sternly by English courts, so promptly engaging an experienced immigration fraud defence solicitor is highly advisable. This article outlines the offence of immigration fraud, provides some examples of how the offence might be committed, discusses how first-time offenders may be sentenced, and assesses the likelihood of imprisonment. We also outline how to get in touch with our team for robust legal assistance.

What is the offence of immigration fraud?

Immigration fraud is an offence under English law. There are various laws that codify different types of immigration fraud, but a primary one is the Immigration Act 1971.

Under Section 24A of the Immigration Act 1971, a person commits an offence if they take actions like dishonestly making false representations or submitting false documents, with the intention of breaching UK immigration law.

For a prosecution to secure a conviction for immigration fraud, the following elements must generally be proven:

• False representation or documents: The defendant made false representations or submitted false documents.
• Dishonesty: The defendant’s conduct was dishonest by the standards of reasonable and honest people.
• Intention to breach immigration law: The defendant intended to breach immigration rules through their actions.
• Gaining an advantage: The defendant sought to gain an advantage under immigration law for themselves or another, like entering or remaining in the UK.

Immigration fraud carries potentially severe penalties such as imprisonment and fines. It is an either way offence so can be tried in either the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, depending on the severity of the case. The punishment typically corresponds to factors like the nature of the breach and whether it was part of an organised operation.

What are some examples of immigration fraud?

Examples of this offence include:

• Fake marriages – marrying a citizen just to get residency/citizenship rights. Both parties commit fraud here.
• Fake documents – using forged or counterfeit visas, passports, birth certificates, etc. to unlawfully gain immigration benefits.
• Lying on visa applications – intentionally providing false information about one’s qualifications, purpose of visit, etc.
• Visa overstays – staying in the country after a temporary visa expires. This violates the conditions of one’s authorised stay.
• Sham schools – creating fake universities to provide student visas and keep up appearances.
• Contract fraud – pretending to employ someone just so they can get a work visa sponsored by you.
• Smuggling – bringing people into the country illegally while evading immigration inspections.
• Asylum fraud – falsely claiming asylum to remain in the country. Could involve fake stories of persecution.
• Immigration scams – when immigration consultants make false promises about getting visas or cheat clients of their money.

What happens if you are suspected of committing immigration fraud in the UK?

If you are suspected of committing immigration fraud in the UK, specifically under English law, you are likely to face investigation and possible prosecution under laws like the Immigration Act 1971. As demonstrated, immigration fraud could involve a range of actions, like submitting false documents or lying on visa applications.

Here’s a general outline of what could happen if you are suspected of committing immigration fraud in the UK:

1. Initial investigation – if there’s suspicion of immigration fraud, the Home Office or another regulatory body will begin an investigation. This may involve gathering evidence like travel records, documents, and witness testimonies. They may also interview you under caution, meaning anything you say could be used against you later. It is advisable to have a solicitor present during such an interview.
2. Arrest or voluntary interview – you may be arrested, or asked to attend a voluntary interview at a police station or Home Office facility. Even if voluntary, this is serious and could lead to charges. Legal representation is again highly recommended.
3. Charging decision – after investigating, the authorities will consult with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to decide whether to charge you. They will consider if there is sufficient evidence and if it’s in the public interest.
4. Court process – if charged, your case could be tried in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court. Crown Court means that you will undergo a jury trial, unless you plead guilty from the first opportunity.
5. Sentencing – if convicted, the court will consider various factors when deciding your sentence. While the maximum penalty depends on the offence, non-custodial sentences are possible for first offences depending on the circumstances. Fines, community service, or suspended sentences are potential options.

It is vital that you seek legal advice if you are facing accusations of immigration, as the exact process depends on your specific situation and any punishments could have severe consequences on your personal and professional life.

What is the sentence for immigration fraud in the UK?

As should be clear, immigration fraud is a serious offence in the UK that can lead to prosecution under the broader Fraud Act 2006 or the more specialist Immigration Act 1971. Common examples include entering a sham marriage to gain residency rights, fabricating employment sponsorship, and falsifying documents such as bank statements to meet visa requirements.

The penalties for immigration fraud depend on the specific offence, but can include fines, imprisonment, deportation, and bans on re-entering the UK. For more serious offences tried in Crown Court, the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment under the Fraud Act 2006.

Judges consider aggravating factors, like being part of an organised crime group, causing substantial harm to victims, abusing a position of authority, or repeatedly committing fraud, as details that would lead to an increased sentence. Mitigating factors like showing remorse, making amends, or acting under coercion, on the other hand, may reduce the sentence.

Additionally, the Crown Court can make a confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to recover any funds or assets obtained through the fraud. Immigrants found guilty of fraud may also face administrative removal or deportation proceedings by the Home Office. The Home Office regularly works with law enforcement to detect and prevent immigration fraud, and deportation is a frequent consequence of being found guilty of immigration fraud.

Are there any defences to immigration fraud?

There are several potential defences that can be raised in response to allegations of immigration fraud:

• Lack of intent – the prosecution must prove you possessed dishonest intent. If you can show you had an honest belief or mistake and lacked intention to deceive, this could provide a defence.
• Duress – if you can demonstrate you were coerced into committing fraud under threat, this may provide a defence. However, the duress must be immediate or imminent.
• Necessity – in certain extreme circumstances, arguing the fraud was necessary to avoid greater harm may provide a defence, but the bar is set very high.
• Procedural defences – if proper processes weren’t followed in the investigation or in bringing charges, the case could potentially be dismissed on procedural grounds.
• Statutory defences – the Immigration Act provides some statutory defences around citizenship that could be explored by legal counsel.
• Evidence dismissal – counsel may seek to get certain evidence ruled as inadmissible if it was obtained improperly. This could undermine the prosecution’s case.

In addition, skilled immigration defence lawyers will thoroughly scrutinise the strength of the prosecution evidence, probe for inconsistencies, and identify any other weaknesses in the case against you. Anyone facing allegations should explore defences promptly with expert criminal defence solicitors.

Will I go to prison if it is my first time committing immigration fraud?

Predicting whether a first time immigration fraud offence will lead to imprisonment is difficult, as judges weigh numerous factors. While immigration fraud is undoubtedly serious, courts recognise first offences as mitigating when determining sentences. This may reduce imprisonment by months or even years depending on other circumstances.

However, you should know that judges rarely suspend sentences entirely for such deceitful crimes. The prosecution will emphasise the damage to public trust in the immigration system. In the end, much will depend on the nature and scale of the fraud, the strength of the defence case, and presentation of other mitigating evidence.

Those facing prosecution should obtain advice from an experienced immigration lawyer on likely sentences based on comparable cases. This inside perspective on judicial practice helps assess if imprisonment may be avoided for a first time offender who cooperates fully with authorities.

Where to get further help

If you or a loved one is facing charges or trial for immigration fraud, having an experienced immigration fraud lawyer’s advice can make all the difference from the outset. For first timers, an expert team like the one working diligently at Stuart Miller Solicitors may even be able to get charges dropped before the case escalates any further. We will also be able to assist with deportation matters. Contact the team at Stuart Miller Solicitors today for a free consultation on your best options.

OUR COMMITMENTS TO YOU:

We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.

You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.

We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.